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Human waste and makeshift beds cleared in Burgers Park clean-up
A clean-up event took place at the Burgers Park Greenhouse on September 30 with the intention to address the overgrowth of various plants; however, volunteers were instead confronted with significant amounts of human waste. The initiative was spearheaded by Ms Africa 2024, McCayla Warriker, in collaboration with stakeholders including the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Tshwane Metro, the Tshwane Leadership Foundation (TLF), and students from TUT and UP, among others.
During the clean-up, it was revealed that the greenhouse is currently in a state of disrepair, featuring cracked windows, decaying and overgrown plants, substantial amounts of trash and feces, and even makeshift sleeping areas. Moreover, the ablution facilities are in a dilapidated condition, with the facilities being locked and submerged due to water leaks, rendering them non-functional.
Warriker emphasized the importance of volunteer efforts and collaborations in the restoration not only of the greenhouse but the entire park, aiming to inspire an inner-city revival and promote better care for communal spaces. She expressed the desire to create a safe outdoor environment, particularly for children living in nearby isolated conditions, fostering an environmentally conscious generation.
Addressing the key areas of concern, Warriker highlighted the need for improvements in the ablution facilities and the park’s fencing. Additionally, she identified attractions such as the bandstand, park kiosk, and pod as potential areas that could draw tourists to the vicinity.
TLF student volunteers coordinator, Taryn Mntambo, explained that their involvement in the initiative stemmed from their commitment to community service as part of their academic responsibilities. The TLF student group engages in various community activities, including clothing drives, fundraisers, and donation initiatives to support the local community.
Mntambo, who has personal ties to the area, expressed sentimentality towards the park due to her upbringing, emphasizing the importance of restoring it to its former state. She recounted past negative experiences at the park and expressed a desire to contribute to its rejuvenation.
Accompanying Mntambo were three German exchange students who participated in the clean-up activity. They echoed the sentiment of preserving the greenhouse’s beauty and potential significance for the local community, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to restore the facility to its former grandeur.
Stakeholders interested in supporting the revival efforts can reach out to McCayla Warriker (062 292 3969) or Taryn Mntambo (067 778 0498) for further information.
If you have additional information related to the story, please contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 083 625 4114.
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